MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra struggled through the first 40 minutes of the game before finally finding its rhythm as the Gin Kings got past the Blackwater Elite, 98-81, to keep the front-running position in the PBA Governors Cup at the MOA Arena in Pasay last night.

The Gin Kings made a decisive run in the fourth quarter curiously with Justin Brownlee resting on the bench, zooming ahead, 85-75, on a 16-2 salvo and going on to stretch their amazing run to seven straight games.

At 7-1, Ginebra can secure a Top Four finish and a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals with one more win in their last three games – versus San Miguel Beer, Rain or Shine or TNT KaTropa.

The Kings, the Governors Cup defending champs, and the Beermen, the reigning Philippine Cup and Commissioner’s Cup titlists, clash in what could be an explosive match tomorrow over at the Big Dome.

Blackwater failed to sustain the momentum of a tough stand through the first three quarters and went down to a fifth loss against four wins.

Tenorio starred in their fourth-quarter rampage, sizzling with 10 points after scoring only six in the first three quarters.

Greg Slaughter also proved to be a big key with 22 points and eight rebounds while also drawing most of Poy Erram’s fouls. The Blackwater big man fouled out with over six minutes left to play.

Earlier, Alaska Milk nailed a second straight win after 14 consecutive losses from last conference as it smothered an injury-hit and grief-stricken GlobalPort side, 101-88.

Las Vegas matchmaker Sean Gibbons described WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse of Argentina as a dangerous opponent because of his raw punching power but said Sen. Manny Pacquiao, if he’s in tip-top condition, should win when they clash in Kuala Lumpur on June 24.

Oscar de la Hoya is expected to fly into Manila to formally launch the WBA welterweight title fight between defending champion Lucas (The Machine) Matthysse of Argentina and challenger Sen. Manny Pacquiao in Malaysia on June 24 with the legendary Golden Boy making his first visit to the country of the man who ended his career in 2008.